Clare Balding presents BBC Derby coverage after surgery for cancer

BBC presenter Clare Balding was back in front of the camera for the first time since April last weekend (5-6 June) after undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer.

Clare shocked fans by announcing she had cancer the previous week (28 May). But she said she was determined to not to miss Flat racing’s biggest meeting, the Derby.

“It looks like I have had my throat slit, but it won’t stop me being at the Derby,” the 38-year-old said last week.

Wearing an oversized necklace on Oaks day (Friday 5 June) and a high collared dress and coat on Derby Day (Saturday 6 June) to hide the scar, Clare presented from Epsom Downs racecourse.

The presenter said she noticed a lump when watching herself on television over Christmas.

She had it drained earlier this year but a further check up revealed she needed a cancerous cyst removing.

Clare Balding underwent two throat operations, one after the Grand National to remove the cyst, and a second last month to remove her thyroid gland.

Next month she will undergo radioactive iodine therapy.

Clare has been recovering at her parents’ home in Berkshire, but returned to London last week to prepare for the Derby meeting.

“It is lovely to be back among my family, my friends and with all of you at home,” she said on air on Friday.

And writing a Derby preview on the BBC she concluded: “Obviously this is the first meeting I have presented at since the Grand National and I am very pleased to be back.

“While I have the opportunity I’d like to thank all those on the BBC website who have sent me their best wishes. I’m glad to say I’m doing fine, my voice is back to normal and I’m really looking forward to Epsom.”

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